Despite Molest Case DNA, Bey Pleads Innocent

BCN/October 17, 2002

Oakland -- A leader in Oakland's Nation of Islam community pleaded innocent Thursday in Alameda County Superior Court to a charge that he molested a 13-year-old girl 20 years ago.

Yusef Bey, 66, entered the plea before Judge Allan D. Hymer in Oakland, according to Bey's attorney, Andrew Dosa of Alameda.

Bey is now scheduled to return to court Nov. 14 for the setting of a pre-trial conference date.

A complaint filed Sept. 18 charges Bey with one felony count of committing a lewd act on a child under 14 in September 1981. He surrendered to police Sept. 19 and immediately posted $50,000 bail, authorities said.

According to police, a woman approached the authorities in early June to report that Bey had allegedly molested her about 20 years ago. She told police that she was 13 when she gave birth to a child allegedly fathered by Bey in June 1982.

Police said DNA samples confirm that Bey is the child's father.

Bey's attorney has declined to comment on the charges.